World No tobacco Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2012: Like in other parts of the world, 'World no Tobacco day' was observed here in the State today with Directorate of Health Services, National Rural Health Mission and National Voluntary Health Association jointly organising the observance at the Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal conference hall of MVHA.

Coalition Against Drugs & alcohol (CADA) also organised an observance programme at Sagolband Amudon Akham Leikai community hall.

This year the observance theme is 'Tobacco Industry Interference' .

Presenting the key-note address at the MVHA conference hall observance, Medical Directorate's SE A Ritindramohan Singh said that world no tobacco Day is being held throughout the world to spread awareness on the harmful effects of smoking and using tobacco products.

stating that observance had started in 1998 with different theme each year, he said the observance is held in Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh with the slogan to stop consumption of Gudka.

Apart from India ranked third among tobacco-product producing nations, tobacco industries not only mislead the public by claiming that tobacco pose no health hazards but also lobby with political organisations to stop the Government from enacting laws that would be detrimental to the interest of these industries, Ritindramohan said.

stating that in such a backdrop the observance on the theme of 'Tobacco Industry Interference' assumes great significance, he also claimed that tobacco industries depute agents to hideously collect information regarding anti-tobacco policy of the Government.

He further informed that contrary to the misleading campaigns by tobacco industries, medical science had already proved that smoking or consumption of tobacco items causes cancer and heart problems besides illustrating that tobacco is a 'slow killer' .

In his address as the chief guest, Additional Director (PH) of the State's Medical Directorate Dr Th Joy said out of nearly 60 lakh people who die annual due to consumption of tobacco items, 6 lakhs are victims of smoking.

Quoting World Health Organisation report, Dr Joy said after 10 years the number of victims will cross the 80 lakh mark.

Cautioning that use of tobacco items causes miscarriage among the women, he suggested that putting up signboards near offices, schools and other public places, highlighting harmful effects of tobacco usage would be able to create awareness in a more effective way.

Urging all concerned to abstain from smoking as nicotine contained is cigarettes is an addictive chemical, Dr Joy further stated that tobacco industries as well as shops found violating prescribed guidelines could be penalised under the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Product Act 2003.At the Akham Leikai community hall observance of World No Tobacco Day, Dr Ng Gyaneshwor of Churachandpur District Hospital's Psychiatric Department described tobacco as 'the gateway to drugs' .

Cautioning the people to stop using tobacco items before it is too late to give up the habit, he pointed out that smoking causes loss of memory, slows down rate of blood circulation and breeds oral and lung cancers.

Prolonged usage of tobacco also leads to asthma and reduces agility in human being, he added.

Among others the observance was also attended by Superintendent of Police (Narcotics Control Bureau) RK Ibungosana, CADA president A Rabindra and representatives of various organisations.

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